Biology and Environmental Sciences

Chair: Amy Carlile, Ph.D.

Professors Emeriti: Carmela Cuomo, Ph.D., Yale University; R. Laurence Davis, Ph.D., University of Rochester; Daniel J. May, Ph.D., University of California; Charles Vigue, Ph.D., North Carolina State University; Henry E. Voegeli, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island; Roman N. Zajac, Ph.D., University of Connecticut

Professors: Michael J. Rossi, Ph.D., University of Kentucky; Eva Sapi, Ph.D., Eotvos Lorand University (Hungary)

Associate Professors: Amy Carlile, Ph.D., University of Washington; Anna Kloc, Ph.D., Stony Brook University; Ali Senajani, Ph.D., University of Connecticut; Nikolas Stasulli, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Assistant Professors: Christian Conroy, Ph.D., Northeastern University; Rasmani Hazra, Ph.D., University of Sydney; Sharon Kahara, Ph.D., South Dakota State University

Distinguished Lecturer: Jean-Paul Simjouw, Ph.D., Old Dominion University

Lecturers: James Ayers, M.S., Purdue University; J. Michael Sellers, M.S., University of Southern Mississippi; Marta Taddeo, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts; Christina Zito, Ph.D.,Yale University

Biology

Biology - the study of life - is an active and exciting field leading to careers in research, drug discovery, medicine, health professions, government, and education. Biology provides one of the cornerstones of a liberal education by increasing knowledge and appreciation of oneself and of other living organisms in the ecosphere.

Our B.S. Biology program is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the broad range of biological science via engaging classroom learning, sophisticated laboratory experiences, and research exposure. Students have the opportunity to gain research experience through faculty mentored research projects (including through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships). Our faculty research interest areas include Lyme disease, cancer, pharmacology, molecular measurements of environmental contamination, and DNA damage and repair. Work experience opportunities are also available as tutors and classroom laboratory assistants. Many students include job related internships and study abroad as part of their program of studies.

Within the Biology B.S. program there are two areas of concentration, allowing students to focus their interest and to increase their appeal to prospective employers. All concentrations begin with strong coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, with specialization of interest in the junior and senior years of study. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor. According to interest, it is advisable to minor in subject areas that can complement the Biology degree, such as chemistry, languages, psychology, or sociology. All Biology majors have the opportunity to choose to take graduate level courses as part of their undergraduate program of studies. The B.S. Biology program is an excellent preparation for continuing education in a wide range of graduate programs.

The General Biology concentration is appropriate for students interested in life and its diversity. Individuals in this concentration take classes in subject areas including cellular and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, microbiology, and environmental science. The breadth of study provides deep insight to the complexity of life - both in its biological components and in the dynamic nature of the systems in which it exists. Students concentrating in general biology typically enter careers in education, science writing, or government and private organizations.
The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provides students with the basic knowledge and laboratory skills for entry level positions in biomedical and pharmaceutical laboratories, and companies using the techniques of cellular and molecular biology. This concentration also prepares students for graduate programs in the areas of biology and the biomedical sciences. Students who complete the program are highly qualified to enter the workforce in biological research, health, or related life science fields.

Genetics and Biotechnology

Genetics and Biotechnology are at the forefront of the rapidly growing areas of personalized medicine, genetic engineering, biopharmaceutical development, genetic counseling, and biotechnical industry. Biotechnology also has applications in agriculture, the food and textile industries, forestry, animal husbandry, and environmental remediation.

The B.S. Genetics and Biotechnology program builds on a strong basic core of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, and integrates courses in genetics, molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and cell biology. Faculty use novel teaching approaches to promote student engagement and learning. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor. Several courses from the M.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology program are offered as part of the B.S. Genetics and Biotechnology degree program. Hands on laboratory courses prepare students to enter the rapidly growing Biotechnology workforce. Minors in complementary areas such as Chemistry, Information Technology, and Business Management are encouraged. Students in the B.S. Genetics and Biotechnology program have the opportunity to gain real work experience through faculty mentored research projects (including through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships). Our faculty research interest areas include Lyme disease, cancer, pharmacology, molecular measurements of environmental contamination, and DNA damage and repair. Work experience opportunities are also available as tutors and classroom laboratory assistants. Many students chose to complement their course of studies with internships in local biotechnology companies and academic laboratories. Study abroad can also complement the program of studies.

Entry-level careers for graduates include Genetic Technologist, Pharmaceutical sales representative, Research Assistant, technical writing, and pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Many graduates of the program continue their education by pursuing an advanced degree, leading to careers in the pharmaceutical, medical, and biotechnology industries or in Genetic Counseling. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor.

Marine and Environmental Sciences

Our B.S. Marine and Environmental Sciences is built completely around the student to acquire hands-on, high-impact practical learning experiences skills that will help launch your professional career. Starting in their freshman year, the student takes introductory courses in marine biology, marine policy, and environmental science and will be in, on, and around the water, building the foundation of knowledge for future courses in the program. The coastal region of Connecticut is home to an extraordinarily rich diversity of species and ecosystems and has always served as sources of food, medicine, energy, commerce, education, recreation, and well-being. This area is a marine and environmental scientist's paradise - and that paradise is only minutes from the University of New Haven campus. As the students immerse themselves in the program and in the many field trips to these ecosystems, they will learn about all of the world's oceans, terrestrial and marine environments, and organisms and the fascinating ways that humans interact with them.

Within the B.S. Marine and Environmental Sciences program there are three areas of concentration, allowing students to focus their interest and to increase their appeal to prospective employers. All concentrations begin with strong coursework in the introductory courses, biology, chemistry, and mathematics in freshman and sophomore years, with specialization of interest in the junior and senior years of study. Students are guided in their program choices by a faculty academic advisor.

The Marine Biology concentration is appropriate for students captivated by marine organisms and how they interact with each other and the systems in which they live. In the marine biology concentration, the student will study invertebrate and vertebrate marine animals, marine botany, oceanography, and marine ecology, personalizing your course of study to meet your career goals. The student will also benefit from our close relationships with local aquariums, museums, nonprofit organizations, and federal and state research laboratories, gaining an up-close look at the types of places where you will start the career that becomes a fascinating lifelong adventure, filled with rewards.
The Marine Policy concentration is for students that are fascinated by the myriad ways that humans interact with the marine environment and want to be involved in policy and research that address complex issues of conservation and management. The marine policy concentration is deeply interdisciplinary, preparing the student to pursue a career in the private sector, government service, public policy, or academia in areas such as marine policy, marine law, marine economics, marine resource management, marine law enforcement, international marine studies, marine-related business ventures, coastal conservation and development, and many other marine-related fields.
The Environmental Science concentration will enable the student with a passion for the environment and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life, to put that passion to work - as an exciting career and for the benefit of our planet's inhabitants. This concentration will give the student a more profound knowledge of this interconnectedness through a solid grounding in biological and earth sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Extensive field work - the hands-on aspect of your education - will support what the student learns in class through first-hand observation and experience and becomes a high-impact part of your résumé to potential employers.